Page 356 - Keys to College Success

get analytical

EVALUATE YOUR SELF-ACTIVATORS

To see how you use successful intelligence in your daily life, assess your perceived development on Sternberg’s
activators. Circle the number that best represents your answer, with 1 being “not at all like me” and 5 being
“definitely like me.”

1. I motivate myself well. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I can control my impulses. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I know when to persevere and when to change gears. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I make the most of what I do well. 1 2 3 4 5
5. I can successfully translate my ideas into action. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I can focus effectively on my goal. 1 2 3 4 5
7. I complete tasks and have good follow through. 1 2 3 4 5
8. I initiate action—I move people and projects ahead. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I have the courage to risk failure. 1 2 3 4 5
10. I avoid procrastination. 1 2 3 4 5
11. I accept responsibility when I make a mistake. 1 2 3 4 5
12. I don’t waste time feeling sorry for myself. 1 2 3 4 5
13. I independently take responsibility for tasks. 1 2 3 4 5
14. I work hard to overcome personal difficulties. 1 2 3 4 5
15. I create an environment that helps me concentrate on my goals. 1 2 3 4 5
16. I don’t take on too much or too little work. 1 2 3 4 5
17. I can delay gratification in order to receive the benefits. 1 2 3 4 5
18. I can see both the big picture and the details in a situation. 1 2 3 4 5
19. I am able to maintain confidence in myself. 1 2 3 4 5
20. I balance my analytical, creative, and practical thinking skills. 1 2 3 4 5

If you completed this self-assessment at the beginning of the course, look back at your original scores. On a piece
of paper or digital file, describe three changes over the course of the term that feel significant to you.

Finally, choose one self-activator that you feel still needs work. Analyze the specific reasons why it remains a challenge.
For example, if you are still taking on too much work, is it because you want to please others? Write a one-paragraph
analysis, and let this analysis guide you as you work to build your strength in this area.

Use Your Tools of Success

This course has introduced you to a collection of powerful tools that you have explored
and built throughout the text. They make your risk taking more likely to result in
rewards both now and in the future. You will make the most of your hard work if you
use (and don’t lose) the following.

Transferable skills. Outside of the specific subject knowledge and skills you build
in your coursework, everything else you learn is transferable to any college class and
any career. Your liberal arts education provides you with many opportunities to build
these skills.

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